Hi everyone,
This might be a little long.
I was diagnosed with an aggresive stage 2A Squamous Cell Carcinoma and one of my margins at the vaginal cuff was very thin. I just completed 23 of 25 external radiations (I developed painful side effects and they stopped my treatment, but they did say I got a very good dose of radiation). I am scheduled to begin 2 HDR Brachytherapy treatments. The first one is in 3 days. I've seen where a lot of you have 5 or 6 treatments but for me, it's only 2.
I haven't wanted this from the start (either radiations) but was told I'm in a "gray" area and 3 different doctors told me I need this because if it comes back, it's very difficult to treat. One specialist told me that this is the treatment he would have his wife do under similar circumstances. Obviously I'm not a doctor and I want to do the right thing, but my GP is one doctor who is telling me NOT to have it done (he is not an Onc though). He says the side effects outweigh the benefits for me because even though my margin is thin, it's still clear. In fact the last time i saw him I was telling him about my pain and he said "you can stop this anytime". those words keep echoing in my head.
Has anyone here declined Brachytherapy? I am TERRIFIED to put it mildly. I just turned 38 and in good health, physically fit etc, but right now after the external radiation, I can't seem to have sex with my husband. It is so painful and possibly TMI here, but it feels like it won't go in (agh sorry). Like it actually just doesn't fit. I am terrified of the potential side effects of this. Bone problems, Necrosis, vaginal stenosis etc.
Has anyone decided to forgo this treatment? What was your experience? I'm interested in everyone's thoughts.
Thank you.
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Has anyone here declined brachytherapy?
- By superdolly
- Posted September 28, 2009 at 1:22 pm · 1 reply
- In Cervical cancer stages and treatment
- Shared with the public
- Edited September 28, 2009 at 1:24 pm
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1 reply
- By crickett305
- Posted September 29, 2009 at 11:19 am
- Report post
I had 6 HDR treatments. I understand your fear and concern. I had those same issues. I had a long talk with my oncologist about it. I took my mother with me so I didn't forget to ask anything and being the "patient" it was easier for my mom to remember everything he was saying. After the meeting with my doctor, my mom and I discussed it, and I went ahead and did it. I have no regrets. It was much easier on me than the external. I had horrible pain and side effects from that. I did not have those with the internal. As far as the sexual side effects, yep, got those too. They had talked about giving me a dilator but they never did. We've been married 20 years, so its something we just work through and deal with it. I was diagnosed in November of last year. I finished all of my treatments in April. I have had one clean pap so far and have my next one scheduled for tomorrow.
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